Sarcopenia-Related Parameters in Older Adults With End-Stage Renal Disease: A Case-Control Study

Examine the impact of hemodialysis therapy on physical function and body composition after 6 months in community-dwelling older adults with and without chronic kidney disease (CKD).

A case-control study was conducted to assess physical function in older adults on hemodialysis therapy (hemodialysis-dependent CHD patients [HD]) compared with robust older adults without CKD. The study included 23 HD patients (68.8 ± 5.2 years) and 25 control group participants (68.1 ± 6.3 years). Physical function and body composition were evaluated using standard tests and bioelectrical impedance analysis, respectively.

Significant differences (p < .05) in physical function were observed between the groups. The HD group showed markedly slower performance in usual gait speed (38.46% slower), five times sit-to-stand test (104.08% slower), Timed Up and Go test (68.65% slower), Timed Up and Go cognitive (142.30% slower), and one-leg stand balance test on the right leg (52.85% lower). However, there were no significant differences in appendicular skeletal mass muscle and fat mass between the HD and control groups. However, lean mass muscle showed the significant reduction for male CKD patients.

Hemodialysis therapy significantly reduces physical function in community-dwelling older adults with CKD, with a high prevalence of mobility impairments observed 6 months after initiating dialysis therapy. Conversely, only lean mass muscle was reduced significantly for male patients.

This study highlights the critical need for targeted interventions to counteract the accelerated decline in physical function and lean muscle mass in older adults with CKD undergoing hemodialysis.